AURORA, Ill. — Six local school districts in DuPage County will come together to host a free mental health and wellness symposium on Saturday, March 8, at Metea Valley High School in Aurora. The event, which is open to students, families, and the community, will feature expert presentations on a range of topics, including anxiety management, healthy body image, and therapeutic painting.
Participating districts include Indian Prairie Unit District 204, East Aurora Unit District 131, West Aurora Unit District 129, Naperville Unit District 203, Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200, and Oswego Unit School District 308. This year marks an expansion for District 204, which has collaborated with five additional districts to offer this vital event.
“By working together, we can expand access to vital mental health resources and ensure that more students and families receive the support they need,” said Indian Prairie Superintendent Adrian Talley. “This symposium is an opportunity for our communities to come together, learn, and take meaningful steps toward well-being.”
The symposium will feature a keynote address by Dr. Doug Bolton, a licensed clinical psychologist and author of Untethered: Creating Connected Families, Schools, and Communities to Raise a Resilient Generation. His talk will focus on building resilience in young people and fostering supportive environments for families and schools.
In addition to Dr. Bolton’s keynote, the event will include breakout sessions for both adults and students in grades 6-12. Topics will cover a variety of mental health concerns and strategies for coping with stress and building emotional resilience.
Participants will also have access to a book fair, a community resource fair, and complimentary lunch. Childcare will be available for children ages 3 to 10. The first 500 adult attendees will receive a free copy of Dr. Bolton’s book, and the first 200 students will receive a T-shirt featuring a message of “growth. not perfection.”
Registration is required for the event, and doors will open at 8 a.m. This event aims to provide a comprehensive platform for both education and community engagement around mental health, ensuring that families have the tools and resources they need to support their children’s well-being.
